IATA introduces updated cargo manuals for 2026

With the U-Freight Group’s strong presence in the expedited international airfreight arena, we note that IATA has released 2026 manuals for cargo and ground handling which have almost 100 changes and revisions.

For cargo, battery-related updates dominate the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) and Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR) in the 2026 manual.

Data from IATA CargoIS says that the number of lithium batteries transported as cargo by air increased 25% year-on-year.

Incidents involving overheating power banks have contributed to the need for revised regulations around the shipment of lithium batteries, says IATA.

The emergence of new hybrid battery chemistries – particularly for hybrid vehicles – require updated shipping requirements.

Key DGR changes cover the introduction of formalised shipping names for hybrid-powered vehicles, recommendations on the use of power banks and spare batteries by passengers in the cabin, updated variations for Thailand, France and the UK, standardised text for 290 existing operator variations, new shipper compliance checklist for battery shipments and the inclusion of Appendix H, which sets out changes expected in 2027.

The key BSR changes include stricter charge limits for lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment, new shipper compliance checklist for battery shipments and additional Designated Postal Operators that may accept equipment containing lithium batteries.

IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR) have been updated to further improve animal welfare with changes to container requirements and guidance on training for attendants handling animals in transit.

Key changes to LAR cover guidelines for attendants including standardised Competency-Based Training Assessment recommendations, the inclusion of Brazil which officially adopted LAR this year, new material and ventilation specification for animal containers and updated guidelines for poultry, pangolins, hooded raptors and birds of prey.

Manuals have received digital enhancements to make information more accessible for cargo professionals.

Digital enhancements cover the launch of IATA’s LAR Verify online portal to provide airlines, shippers and forwarders with digital access to LAR while providing an automated compliance solution, a comprehensive list of dangerous goods in digital format and an improved battery classification tool which now includes sodium-ion batteries.

Frederic Leger, Senior Vice President of Products and Services said: “Global standards have made flying safe and reliable. For eight decades, IATA’s member airlines have worked with the industry value chain, including regulators, on standard setting and best practices critical to daily operations. This year’s IATA manuals updates reflect advancements in technology, digitalisation, regulation and customer needs that are critical for safer, more efficient and increasingly sustainable operations.”

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